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BANGKOK, 18th May 2018 (NNT) - The Cabinet has proposed the setting up of a center to maintain national interests at sea and coordinate efforts between related agencies.

The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) considered the bill on maintaining national interests at sea; Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said today the amendment establishes a committee to establish policies, strategies, and measures to maintain national interests at sea.

It also establishes a center chaired by the Prime Minister to coordinate efforts between related agencies, including military branches and the maritime police, while regional and provincial centers will also be set up to add efficiency to policy's implementation. The law will also include social and economic policies.

NLA members expressed their support for the principles of the bill which creates a dedicated agency tasked with maintaining maritime interests, especially on environmental protection and natural resource management.

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the amendment establishes a committee to establish policies, strategies, and measures to maintain national interests at sea.

This looks like a false front.

The military has controlled Thailand directly and indirectly since 1932. Why now this committee and coordination that includes regional and provincial centers, new laws and social and economic policies. Prayut has been been the junta leader as well as PM for four years and counting. It would be moronic to say that he hasn't implemented similar committees, laws and social and economic policies to advance nationalism. The signature of Prayut's leadership has been a constriction of Thai rights and liberties under the veil of nationalism.

This new "dedicated agency" (no longer a "committee" that signifies a more permanent organization) will be thoroughly entwined with the military and its surrogates the national police force. It will be Prayut who decides member qualifications and appointments. As this agency will likely operate as an independent organization similar to the six or so anti-corruption committees and led by a pro-military (if not active military officer) chairman, I expect the next elected government will have little to no ability to change the agency composition, policies and priorities.

The end result for this agency might be one less concerned about maintaining national assets at sea than maintaining military and pro-military interests internally across the nation. Especially from scrutiny or disruption by elected Thai governments not sympathetic to the military.